Spain

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh receives Spanish Ambassador to Viet Nam Maria Jesus Figa Lopez-Palop, Ha Noi, May 16, 2018 Politburo member Minh made the request while hosting a reception for Spanish Ambassador to Viet Nam Maria Jesus Figa Lopez-Palop in Ha Noi on May 16. He spoke of the diplomat’s contributions to enhancing the Viet Nam-Spain relations during the first year of her tenure, affirming that Viet Nam attaches importance to strengthening friendly ties and multifaceted cooperation with Spain. The deputy PM suggested the two sides strengthen the exchange of delegations, especially at the high level, thereby creating a driving force to boost bilateral relations across spheres, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, and investment. Spain is currently the largest trade partner of Viet Nam in the EU, with the two-way trade rising sharply to US$3.1 billion in 2017, he said. The host called on the Spanish Government and Ambassador Maria Jesus to take … [Read more...] about VN expects Spain to accelerate EVFTA signing and ratification

Russia have been awarded a place at the 2019 World Cup in Japan after World Rugby sensationally disqualified Spain, Romania and Belgium, the rugby union international governing body said on Tuesday (May 15). After the disqualification of Spain, Romania and Belgium in the 2019 World Cup, Russia will compete in Japan. (AFP/Dave ROGERS) Russia had finished third in European qualifying for the World Cup but head to the tournament after Romania, who originally won the section, second-placed Spain and fourth-placed Belgium were all docked points for fielding ineligible players. "World Rugby notes the outcome of the independent disputes committee review into matters relating to the 2017 and 2018 Rugby Europe Championship, competitions that doubled as a Rugby World Cup 2019 qualification event," said a statement issued on Tuesday. "In line with the decision, Russia will qualify for Rugby World Cup 2019 as Europe 1, joining Ireland, Scotland, Japan and the play-off winner in Pool A, … [Read more...] about Russia qualify for World Cup as Spain, Romania and Belgium disqualified

(L-R) Spain's Marc Lopez, Rafa Nadal, David Ferrer, captain Sergi Bruguera, Pablo Carreno-Busta, Roberto Bautista and Feliciano Lopez celebrate after beating Germany during the Davis Cup quarter-final tennis match. (JOSE JORDAN/AFP) The world number one's 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 win in Valencia drew the tie level at 2-2, before veteran David Ferrer battled to a marathon 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-5 victory over Philipp Kohlschreiber to finish the job. Two breaks in each set were enough for Nadal to seal an impressively comfortable victory over world number four Zverev in what was only the 31-year-old's second outing since returning from a hip injury. Nadal said after the match he is still regaining sharpness. "The first set was fantastic," Nadal said. "There were times when I lost a bit of control because the match was tough, I had not competed for a long time and to maintain the level of the first set was complicated for me. "But in general it was a very important match and I am very … [Read more...] about Nadal crushes Zverev as Spain reach Davis Cup semi finals

Nadal to face Zverev with Spain fate in his hands Tim Puetz and Jan-Lennard Struff stunned Marc Lopez and Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (4/7), 7-5 as Spain were left to rue converting just two of 20 break points in a four-hour 40-minute encounter at the Plaza de Toros bullring. Nadal, 31, who marked his comeback on Friday after more than two months on the sidelines with a hip injury by seeing off Philipp Kohlscreiber in his opening singles match, now has to repeat his magic against Zverev, 11 years his junior. Nadal is on a record run of 23 successive wins in the Davis Cup, having not lost since 2005. Five-time champions Spain, meanwhile, have won 26 straight home ties, with their last defeat on Spanish soil against Brazil in 1999. "I have complete faith in all my players, they're all formidable," said Spain captain Sergi Bruguera. Despite the pressure, Nadal can look ahead to his meeting against Zverev with confidence as he boasts a 3-0 record over the beanpole German … [Read more...] about Nadal to face Zverev with Spain fate in his hands